Sponsored by The British Robotics Seed Fund
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11 Sep 23. UMS SKELDAR and Marshall Land Systems Unveil New Military Container at DSEI. UMS SKELDAR and Marshall Land Systems have jointly developed an expandable container solution to support the rapid deployment and operation of rotary uncrewed aircraft.
To be unveiled at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023, the Battlefield Deployable Uncrewed Aerial System (BDUAS) sets a new industry standard, offering unprecedented functionality, versatility and mobility while maintaining a minimal logistical footprint for the end-user.
The standardized, modular BDUAS containers offer an all-in-one approach to dynamic field deployment, providing highly mobile transport and storage of UMS Skeldar’s industry-leading Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), as well as a maintenance and workshop area and a dedicated second Remote Piloting Station (RPS) accommodating two operators.
BDUAS containers have been engineered by Marshall Land Systems to meet both defence and NATO Standards, while still adhering to global ISO container specifications. This compatibility allows for seamless transportation over air, land, road and rail, ensuring easy access to any location – including transfer between naval and land domains.
Due to their modular nature, the containers can be rapidly reconfigured for deployment in extreme conditions, including environments with temperatures ranging from -32C to +49C as a baseline, with options available to extend to -51C to +55C if required. Preservation and enhancement (Pre En) capabilities are also built in as standard.
Marshall Land Systems Managing Director Gary Moynehan commented:
“We are proud to have developed this uniquely capable containerised UAS with UMS SKELDAR. By combining our expertise, we have created a game-changing product that expands the options for military operations.
BDUAS is hugely significant for critical applications like border inspection in Central Eastern Europe, where real-time intelligence is of paramount importance, as well as ISR operations on both land and sea worldwide. The versatility and rapid deployment capabilities of BDUAS will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of defence operations.”
“We are thrilled to be part of this revolutionary endeavour, leveraging our strategic partnership with Saab to deliver a product that will set a new benchmark in the industry,”
said Richard Hjelmberg, UMS SKELDAR’s VP of Business Development.
“Upon full deployment, the BDUAS container provides a well-designed layout, including ample storage space in the middle, a repair workshop on one side, and a ground control station or piloting station on the other. The re-expandable container is a testament to our dedication to innovation and our commitment to equipping armed forces with cutting-edge solutions.” (Source: UAS VISION)
14 Sep 23. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft achieved a declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) by the U.S. Navy.
- MQ-4C Triton is the U.S. Navy’s only uncrewed, high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft performing persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. The U.S. Navy recently announced IOC for Triton.
- Since achieving early operational capability in May 2020, the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet employed Triton in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility conducting maritime and reconnaissance missions.
- Northrop Grumman has delivered five multi-intelligence Triton aircraft to the U.S. Navy, with the latest delivered June 2023.
Experts:
Rho Cauley Bruner, director, Triton program, Northrop Grumman: “Triton has proven to be invaluable for the maritime patrol and reconnaissance mission in the Indo-Pacific. Now that the system has achieved initial operating capability, commanders will be able to fully leverage Triton’s powerful sensor suite to detect and deter potential adversaries around the world.”
Capt. Josh Guerre, Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems program manager, U.S. Navy: “Persistent global maritime awareness is central to deterring, or competing and winning against, our adversaries. Triton ensures we’re making informed decisions and effectively operating anywhere in the world.”
13 Sep 23. Renewable Drones Market Analysis: Anticipated Growth and Development (2023-2035). Research Nester published a report titled “Renewable Drones Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2035” which delivers detailed overview of the global renewable drones market in terms of market segmentation by drone type, solution, end user, and by region.
Further, for the in-depth analysis, the report encompasses the industry growth indicators, restraints, supply and demand risk, along with detailed discussion on current and future market trends that are associated with the growth of the market.
The global renewable drones market is estimated to occupy a large revenue by growing at a CAGR of ~23% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023 – 2035, owing to the escalating adoption of drones for reducing cost of inspection operation, and growing demand for clean energy applications in drone technology. Apart from these, rising establishment of solar and wind energy power plants is also expected to drive market growth in the coming years.
The global renewable drones market is segmented by drone type, solution and end user. Based on drone type, the multirotor segment is anticipated to grab the largest market share during the forecast period on the back of the ability of these drones to perform vertical takeoffs and landings. Additionally, by end user, the solar segment is projected to grab the largest share over the forecast period ascribing to the growing demand for renewable drones for solar farm maintenance and inspection.
Geographically, the market is segmented into five major regions, namely North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America region is evaluated to grab the largest share in the market during the forecast period attributing to the increasing demand for renewable drones from various end user industries in the region. Moreover, the market in Asia Pacific region is assessed to grow by the highest rate in the future owing to the rising urbanization, and growing investments in renewable energy generation.
The research was global in nature and conducted in North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark), Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman), North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa). In addition, areas like Market size, Y-O-Y growth & Opportunity Analysis, market players competitive study, investment opportunities, demand for future outlook etc. have been covered and displayed in the research report to ensure it dives deep to achieve strategic competitive intelligence in the segment.
11 Sep 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is poised to begin the flight-testing phase on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) LongShot program. Begun in 2020, General Atomics was competitively awarded a contract to develop DARPA’s concept for disruptive air combat operations through demonstration of an air-to-air weapons capable air vehicle. The concept seeks to significantly increase engagement range and mission effectiveness of current 4th gen fighters and air-to-air missiles.
Over the last three years, GA-ASI has iterated on numerous vehicle designs to optimize performance and will complete the design enroute to flight testing in 2024. The testing will validate basic vehicle handling characteristics and lay the foundation for follow-on development and testing.
“We are extremely excited to get in the air!” said Mike Atwood, Senior Director of Advanced Aircraft Programs at GA-ASI. “Flight testing will validate digital designs that have been refined throughout the course of the project. General Atomics is dedicated to leveraging this process to rapidly deliver innovative unmanned capabilities for national defense.”
14 Sep 23. Thales and Schiebel Expand Strategic Partnership to Promote the CAMCOPTER UAS Globally With Cutting-Edge Technologies.
- Thales, a leading global technology company, and Schiebel, a renowned Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build on their joint success in the UK with a global marketing approach.
- Where appropriate, and on a case by case basis, the Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 and S-300 systems will be combined with Thales’ innovative products, to bring an unrivalled solution to the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) global market.
- This partnership marks a significant step towards further enhancing the capabilities and market presence of both companies in the rapidly expanding RWUAS industry.
By combining Thales’ expertise in advanced technology solutions, sensors and system integration with Schiebel’s extensive experience in designing, developing and delivering high-performance RWUAS, this collaboration focuses on unlocking new frontiers around the world in uncrewed aerial operations. Through cooperation, both companies aim to leverage their respective complementary strengths to drive innovation, expand market reach, and meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.
The CAMCOPTER® S-100 and S-300 systems represent the pinnacle of unmanned/uncrewed aerial reconnaissance and surveillance systems, embodying state-of-the-art technologies and unmatched reliability. With Thales and Schiebel working in tandem, customers can expect a seamless integration of these exceptional systems, enabling enhanced capabilities for defence, security, and civilian/commercial applications.
“We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Schiebel,” stated Herve Hamy, Vice President ISR Business Line at Thales “Together, on a case by case basis, we will harness our collective expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions that will undoubtedly redefine the RWUAS landscape.”
“Schiebel is excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings,” commented Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “Combining forces where appropriate with Thales will further strengthen our offerings and provide our customers with even more advanced, robust and reliable solutions.” (Source: ASD Network)
12 Sep 23. BAE Systems and QinetiQ Collaborate on Autonomous UAS.
BAE Systems and QinetiQ have signed a framework agreement which will see both parties collaborate in the area of autonomous uncrewed air systems (UAS) and mission management systems.
The framework agreement will explore the potential to collaborate and develop a family of UAS, and associated mission management systems, to support interoperability with existing and future crewed and uncrewed systems; generating operational effects and providing a concentration of combat air power.
The autonomous mission management system enables operators to use a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets collaboratively on the battlefield, all managed by a human decision maker.
In the first stage of the collaboration, the joint team will explore the use of BAE Systems’ autonomous mission management system on uncrewed platforms developed by both companies to work alongside each other – and with existing and future crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft.
The UK and other nations want to field high performance uncrewed air systems capable of delivering military effects across a range of operational scenarios. Our agreement with QinetiQ will see us work together to deliver this capability to our customers.
– Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks, the advanced research and technology division for BAE Systems’ Air business
Our customers have a growing need to increase combat mass, protect lives and reduce costs. Our collaboration with BAE Systems enables future mission-critical operations to be conducted without the traditional costs associated. All of this will provide our customers with better intelligence, protection and capability to defend against adversaries and protect our national interests.
– Mick Andrae, Global Campaign Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, QinetiQ
Under the framework agreement signed at DSEI in London, each company will continue to develop their own UAS aligned to a common product strategy that will enable effective collaboration on existing and future crewed and uncrewed platform concept development.
The framework agreement will see BAE Systems and QinetiQ continue to work together with the relevant regulatory bodies to help develop the appropriate clearance processes for autonomous systems.
(Source: UAS VISION)
12 Sep 23. Teledyne FLIR Defense Demonstrates Autonomously Launched Drones. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, is showcasing a new technology concept at this week’s DSEI Conference in London that will allow crews to autonomously launch small drones operated from inside a military vehicle; perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA); and then recover the aircraft without ever having to leave the safety of the vehicle.
The Black Recon Vehicle Reconnaissance System (VRS) is a development program that features an entirely new micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to withstand the rigors of traveling on infantry and other fighting vehicles. The system is built to provide continuous untethered reconnaissance at flight speeds that allow the UAV to work ahead of advancing vehicles, supplying valuable situational awareness even beyond line of sight.
With its thermal and visual payload, Black Recon sends live imagery and targeting information back to vehicle crews. Operators can use the system for a wide range of missions, such as assessing if terrain is passable, sweeping for mines and improvised explosive devices, or performing close-up inspection under bridges using onboard illumination. The system delivers high precision RSTA and can perform GPS-denied operations.
Fitted inside a hardened launch box mounted to a vehicle, Black Recon’s deployment system can launch up to three UAVs during a mission. When one returns, a unique cradle-arm autonomously recovers the drone using patented technology to precisely track, capture, and dock the UAV – day or night, even in poor weather. Drones are then automatically recharged for the next mission.
“Black Recon represents a groundbreaking new capability and a force multiplier for warfighters to take on near-peer adversaries,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, executive vice president and general manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “The ability to launch and recover UAVs in seconds from a vehicle, without exposing the crew, will enable fighting units to maintain operational tempo and leverage the system when it’s needed most – in dynamic, uncertain and complex environments.
“We continue to refine Black Recon’s technology and are excited about future applications, not only for the military but also other areas like law enforcement, border security, and critical infrastructure protection. We look forward to sharing the concept with industry partners during DSEI,” Lei added. (Source: UAS VISION)=
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The British Robotics Seed Fund is the first SEIS-qualifying investment fund specialising in UK-based robotics businesses. The focus of the fund is to deliver superior returns to investors by making targeted investments in a mixed basket of the most innovative and disruptive businesses that are exploiting the new generation of robotics technologies in defence and other sector applications.
Automation and robotisation are beginning to drive significant productivity improvements in the global economy heralding a new industrial revolution. The fund allows investors to benefit from this exciting opportunity, whilst also delivering the extremely attractive tax reliefs offered by the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). For many private investors, the amount of specialist knowledge required to assess investments in robotics is not practical and hence investing through a fund structure makes good sense.
The fund appoints expert mentors to work with each investee company to further maximise the chance of success for investors. Further details are available on request.
www.britbots.com/fund
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